Prof. Tshwafo Motaung | Nanocomposites Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tshwafo Motaung , University of South Africa , South Africa

Professor Tshwafo Elias Motaung is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as Senior Professor and Material Science Niche Area Head at the University of South Africa. With a robust educational background, he holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the North, followed by an array of qualifications including an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of the Free State (UFS), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Throughout his career, Professor Motaung has held pivotal roles in academia and research, including Senior Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Professor and Head of Department at the University of Zululand. His expertise spans project management, labour law, and values-based leadership, supported by certifications from institutions like UFS and the University of Stellenbosch Business School. He has also conducted significant international research, including a project at the University of Mahatmagandhi in India funded by the National Research Foundation.

Professional Profile:

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🎓Education:

Professor Tshwafo Elias Motaung is an esteemed academic with a comprehensive educational background. He earned his foundational degree, a B.Sc. in Chemistry, from the University of the North, followed by a B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Free State (UFS). Continuing his academic journey, he achieved a Ph.D. in Chemistry, also from UFS. Further enhancing his qualifications, Professor Motaung obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). His diverse educational pursuits have equipped him with a robust foundation in chemistry and education, preparing him for leadership roles in academia and research.

🏢Awards and Achievements:

Professor Tshwafo Elias Motaung has accumulated a wealth of experience across various academic and research roles. Beginning as a Tutor of Physics and Chemistry students and Laboratory Assistant at the University of the Free State from January 2004 to December 2005, he transitioned to an Assistant Professional Officer in the Department of Chemistry in 2006. Continuing his journey at UFS, he served as a Junior Lecturer from 2007 to 2012, concurrently taking on the responsibility of Chemical Waste Manager in the Faculty of Natural Science from 2010 to 2012. His career then took him to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Port Elizabeth, where he held the position of Senior Researcher and Research Leader from January 2013 to August 2015. Moving to the University of Zululand in September 2015, Professor Motaung excelled as Professor and Head of Department, achieving a Y2 Rating. Currently, he holds the esteemed positions of Senior Professor and Material Science Niche Area Head at the University of South Africa, while also serving as an Associate Researcher and Research Group Leader at Sefako Makgatho University since 2015. His extensive tenure in academia and research underscores his leadership and expertise in the field of chemistry and material science.

🏆Professional Background:

Professor Abdul Majeed Shar has garnered notable recognition and achievements throughout his academic and professional journey. He was honored with the Mehran University Meritorious Award for outstanding academic performance during his B.E. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from 2002 to 2003. In 2014, he received the prestigious Ian Hillier Award from the London Petrophysical Society, acknowledging his significant contributions to Petrophysics. Additionally, he was awarded a Merit Certificate by the Vice Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology for securing the first-class third position in B.E. Petroleum Engineering. Professor Shar has also been a recipient of substantial research funding from the National Research Program for Pakistani Universities (NRPU), amounting to 9.5 Million rupees, supporting his research endeavors. Furthermore, he has benefited from fully funded scholarships, including the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan scholarship for pursuing his M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering at Heriot Watt University, UK. These accolades underscore his dedication to excellence and leadership in the field of Petroleum Engineering.